Established by King Kamehameha I to serve as the seat of Hawaii's government, Kailua-Kona later became a quiet fishing village and retreat for Hawaiian royalty (the capital eventually moved to Honolulu).These days, Historic Kailua Village offers a glimpse at the past as well as postcard-perfect scenery. On the grounds of King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Resort is a reconstructed temple. (The original is said to have been built by the king himself.) The dark volcanic rocks edging the water there and elsewhere along the coast make for dramatic sunsets.




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